1. Do It Yourself: Repair
Do It Yourself
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Installing a Pre-Hung Door
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-602 -- More Projects »
Figure A
Figure B
Figure C
Figure D
Q:The door to my laundry room is in pretty bad shape. Painting it won't
help because some of the wood is cracking and falling off. How do I
replace the door?
A: (James Young, DIY Home Improvement expert) Replacing a door is not
that difficult, so you may want to start from scratch by pulling the whole
door out and reinstalling a pre-hung door.
If you want to replace only the door -- using an ordinary slab-door -- keep
in mind that you may have to mortise the door and hinges, and you may
also have to make holes for your doorknobs. Installing a pre-hung door is
probably simpler. These may cost a little more, but they're much simpler
to install. Here's how to do it.
1. If there's a problem with the door as well as the door-jamb,
unfasten the hinges, remove the door and use a pry-bar to remove
the old door-jamb.
2. On a split-jamb pre-hung door, the jambs are already pre-mounted
on each side of the door, sandwiching the door itself between
(figure A).
3. Remove the inner jamb temporarily, and position the door in place.
Use a carpenter's level to ensure that the door is installed evenly
and plumb.
4. It's easier to work on installation with the door closed. Use wood
shims to hold the door and door-jamb plumb and steady as you
work.
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2. Do It Yourself: Repair
Figure E
Figure F
5. With the door held securely plumb, use an air-nailer to nail the
door-frame to the surrounding studs. Nail directly through the
frame and shims (figure B) all the way around the frame so that it
is secure.
Safetey Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with
power tools.
6. Once the frame is nailed in position, use a utility knife to score
(figure C) and break off the shims. Repeat the process all the way
around the door.
7. Position the inner jamb back in place, line it up evenly and nail it
secure in the same way (figure D). Install the nails in the inner
jamb on the same plane as the ones used on the outer one so that
the inside and outside nails are fastened through the same shim in each case.
8. Once the jamb is nailed securely, remove the rubber stopper from the pre-drilled doorknob hole
(figure E). This was placed there prior to shipping to help hold the parts together, making the
door easier to work with.
9. Important: If you want to paint or stain the door, wait until after the door-jamb and frame is
hung. Remove the hinges, take down the door itself and lay it flat to paint.
10. This prefabricated door makes installation easier, and the doorknob holes are already pre-cut
(figure F).
RESOURCES:
Taunton's Build Like a Pro: Windows and Doors: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Build Like
a Pro)
Model: 1561584835
Author: Scott McBride
(April, 2002)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
The Taunton Press Inc
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3. Do It Yourself: Repair
Newtown, CT 06470
Phone: 203-426-8171
Fax: 203-426-3434
Email: service@taunton.com
Installing and Hanging Doors (For Pros by Pros Series)
Model: 1561586358
Author: Gary Katz
(August, 2002)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
The Taunton Press Inc
Newtown, CT 06470
Phone: 203-426-8171
Fax: 203-426-3434
Email: service@taunton.com
q ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
DIY Basics: Kitchen Disposals
Climbing Vines
Basket Liners
Healthy Mashed-Potatoes
Installing a Pre-Hung Door
Decorative Party-Light Strings
Pets Quick-Tip: Parrots as Pets
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